Drug updated on 4/16/2024
| Dosage Form | Injection (subcutaneous; : 6 mg/0.6 mL) |
| Drug Class | Leukocyte growth factors |
| Ongoing and Completed Studies | ClinicalTrials.gov |
Indication
- Indicated to decrease the incidence of infection, as manifested by febrile neutropenia, in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia.
- Indicated to increase survival in patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation (Hematopoietic Subsyndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome).
Summary
- Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) is indicated to decrease the incidence of infection, as manifested by febrile neutropenia, in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia.
- A total of 13 systematic review/meta-analysis were reviewed for pegfilgrastim (Neulasta).
- The meta-analysis showed that administering pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) on the same day as chemotherapy completion resulted in a significantly higher rate of febrile neutropenia compared to administration at least one day after chemotherapy.
- This increased risk was particularly evident among patients with breast cancer and lymphoma who received pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) on the same day as their chemotherapy treatment.
- In contrast, gynaecological malignancy patients who received pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) on the same day had a lower incidence of delayed chemotherapy but experienced an increased occurrence of bone pain compared to those administered it next-day post-chemotherapy.
- These findings suggest that while same-day administration may be beneficial for some patient groups due to reduced delays in treatment, it could lead to adverse outcomes such as elevated rates of febrile neutropenia and bone pain.
Product Monograph / Prescribing Information
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) Prescribing Information. | 2021 | Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, California |
Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pegfilgrastim safety and efficacy on the last chemotherapy day versus the next: systematic review and meta-analysis. | 2021 | BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care |